The area around Preston Station could be transformed following a massive new regeneration framework drawn up by Lancashire County Council, Preston City Council and UCLan. The draft Preston Station Quarter Regeneration Framework will help landowners and developers provide a more joined-up approach to future development.
The plans are set to create the blueprint for how the Preston Station Quarter could be developed to encourage job growth, better connectivity and a vastly superior public realm. The idea is to take advantage of the underperforming area’s position as a key gateway to the city.
The plans feature Grade A office space, and enhanced retail and leisure offerings, as well as new housing. The framework includes further details: “The Station Quarter does not currently fulfil its potential as a key gateway to the city and the region. The framework is a recognition of the strategic importance of Preston Station to the ongoing success of the city centre and of the potential for significant investment and development on several adjacent sites.”
The framework divides the city into four quarters:
Station East – The Framework describes this section as “the catalyst for the area’s regeneration through the redevelopment of the dated Fishergate Centre” with “significant scope to introduce new City centre uses and create a transformational area of the city.
Station West – With the arrival of HS2, the area could be utilized to expand and enhance the station. In the longer term, there could also be significant opportunities to redevelop yard areas as well as introducing new uses for the Royal Mail site.
University Walk - This part of the city would see the key assets of the station linked together to enhance the connections and public realm.
County Hill – Described by the framework as currently “isolated in a sea of surface car parking” there is scope to introduce new uses and urban realm.
Councillor David Borrow, the cabinet member for planning and regulation at Preston City Council said: “This draft framework outlines the huge potential for this major gateway to Preston, to create civic spaces, jobs and city-centre living.
“Key working partnerships with Lancashire County Council, UCLAN and stakeholders create broader opportunities for Preston and allow greater regeneration in the city centre.
I encourage as many people as possible to give their feedback to help shape the future of the Station Gateway to make our city more accessible and inviting to residents, visitors and commuters.”
Cllr Aidy Riggott, Cabinet Member for economic development and growth at Lancashire County Council, added “This is a major gateway into the city and one which has significant potential to generate new jobs, prosperity and provide space for quality new homes.
“As well as driving economic growth in Preston, due to its excellent connectivity for rail and bus service, these new opportunities will also be accessible to people and businesses elsewhere in the country.”
UCLan Deputy Chief Executive Office Ruth Connor Said: “This proposed framework sets out an ambitious vision for the future of Preston. The development between the university and the train station will provide many opportunities to blend education, enterprise, and commercial activities.”
The consultation is now open for the next four weeks for feedback to be submitted. With such a buzz around the city, Preston is undergoing a phenomenal transformation with demand for property in the city higher than ever before. To find out more about the city, click here.
